E30 318is owners please.

[E30-OBSESSION]

I have made my mind up to buy a 318is E30, brilliant.
Somebody told me that the rooflining is black, is this the case or might it have been an option in the U.K. ?? I don't mind either way but it would be a bonus!!
Many thanks

[dodgem]

My roof lining is grey in my iS, with the grey cloth interior, but i guess cars with the leather interior may have black roof linings.

[Bob_S]

318is - top choice

my roof lining is black, as is my mates both are diamond black. although to be honest, I wouldnt worry about it because honestly when was the last time you took particular interest at the roof while driving? lol

[E30-OBSESSION]

Many thanks for the quick answer guys, colour choice for me will be black or royal blue (i'm sure that's available) like you said it doesn't matter anyway, what are all your thoughts on your 318is' pros and cons, drive, handling etc?, problems to look out for?(other than stuff that goes on ALL E30's), stuff specific to the model? I've owned E30's on and off for 10 years but have only had six-pots up to now, however the IS is always one i've wanted to own.
A wee bit off subject but i'll be selling my '89 royal blue 320i auto touring that runs a bit lumpy but has a mint body with no rust whatsoever (i.e would make the perfect project for transplant) is there a lot of interest in the touring thing at the moment? roughly how much would it be worth.
Thanks in advance.

[dodgem]

What's the rest of the interior in yours Bob? I have a diamond black 318iS and as i said, my roof lining is grey - though it is true that you don't exactly spend much time looking at it!

[Bob_S]

problems... worst case is a rattling/raspy noise from about 3k and up this means the timing chain is loose, best bet is get a replacement (as I am £300 covers labour, parts, vat and warentee)
the IS seems to be more rust proof than most e30's why i dont know but most are clean.

parts arent too expensive unless you have serious engine problems
profile gaskits can go giving the same effect as a blown head gaskit they perish away although I believe most have been changed under warrentee by now.

pro's - the 318is is I would say bar the M3 the best handling e30 you can buy. it comes with the mtech suspention rear arb etc so it's slightly harder, lower and stiffer

my interior is the dark check with black vinal sides my mates is the lighter check with grey sides (mine looks better we agreed)


tourings? not a huge market they seem to sell for 50-100 quid more than saloons I'd say the cab or 2dr was the most sought-after e30 in regular guise now.
unfortunately the 320i is looked down upon by many people because the IS is quicker and has better fuel economy so bit of a false economy if you get my drift?

[Lordschleife]

colour choice for me will be black or royal blue (i'm sure that's available)

The iS came in Lazer blue

[E30-OBSESSION]

so lazer blue is the dark blue that looks like royal blue metallic?

[SRJ]

A original iS has black rooflining, i have the original sales material from Germany, so I am pretty sure.



Cheers..

SRJ

[eko]

I too thought all iS`s had Black roof linings

[Geeman]

Nope... mine was an early one and didn't come with a black lining... mine was Sterling Silver with blue check Sports trim.

[gcorky]

tourings? not a huge market they seem to sell for 50-100 quid more than saloons I'd say the cab or 2dr was the most sought-after e30 in regular guise now.
unfortunately the 320i is looked down upon by many people because the IS is quicker and has better fuel economy so bit of a false economy if you get my drift?



tourings lol not having a huge market........ok most of the the tourings seem to get the most transplants on here.......even on ebay tourings are worth a lot more than saloons....i got both and the touring is sporty ,luxurious,quick.my bit.

[Bob_S]

bit of a sweeping statement there mate I'd say the conversions were more on the 2dr side of things with the 2.7 sports being very popular.

I wouldnt mind a 325i touring myself shame i cant insure it

[stuartgallafant]

i've had my iS about 15 months now, and im loving it!! its not the fastest car in the E30 range, but its definately one of the best!

the compromise between power and fuel efficeincy is outstanding, and it really does have some poke when you need!!

i can get about 300 miles to about £40 worth of fuel, so thats not so bad either.

their handling is nice and sharp too, as they're much lighter than the 6 cylinder models, and they are loads of fun to drive. they're also quite forgiving when you push 'em!!

the iS doesn't suffer from the same rust problems that the other models do, as they were all galvanised at their build factory in South Africa...

if you get one, i hope you enjoy yours as much as i enjoy mine!!

[jamesh1977]

i bought my is about 6 month ago for £100 it cost me a further £200 to get her through an mot and its the best £300 ive everspent....

my roof lineing is black and yea you dont spend much time lookin at it but come on we must admit it adds some class to the car...


ive lost count on the amount of e30s ive owend and ill admit the 318is has been the most fun car ive ever had.

im lookin to be putting the electric sunroof into mine so if any one has the workins i would be gratefull for you to get in touch..

ive also got a 316i tourer that im lookin to put back on the road soon but thats only for the dogs sake as im havin to much fun with the is also got a y reg 316 e30 thats covered 73k from new which is lying redundunt the now but watch this space i could be parting company with her soon ive only kept it this long for the plate (bms***y)